PR Blog Post:
A blog article by a fellow industry man, Rick Guttridge, outlining the recent failure of Burnley FC to address speculation of managerial uncertainty at the club should have put a great big smug smile on my face. Instead, it was only overshadowed by the harsh reality that the PR at my own club, Blackburn Rovers, is itself far from desirable. In fact, admittedly, it is much, much worse. Anything you can do, Burnley, we can do better.
When former owners the Walker Trust sold their share of Blackburn Rovers in October 2010, no one in their wildest dreams could have predicted the succession of events that would follow, such is the crazy inconsistency, unpredictability and - dare I say it - ineptitude, of then-new owners the Venky's' decision-making prowess. An unfortunate circumstance only worsened by the failure of the BRFC comms department to harness the Venky's family matriarch, Mrs Desai, who over the past 23 months has continued to express herself most inconsistently via the media, leaving fans in a constant state of bewilderment.
A series of misdemeanors - some, though I fear not all of which have been subsequently uncovered courtesy of @SportingIntel and then paraded around the online football community for all to observe - have long since resulted in the loss of a well-established board, a host of experienced and committed back room staff, and the dignity of a once proud club.
Allow me to elaborate. During that first season in the hot seat, and after unduly presenting their inherited (proven) manager Sam Allardyce with his P45, making way for one Steve Kean (no introduction required), and as Blackburn Rovers were promptly led into an end of season relegation battle, Mrs Desai chose to use the media as a platform to express her ambition of introducing an Indian footballer to the Premier League. Following a consecutive run of defeats, the Venky's responded with a public appraisal of their newly appointed gaffer as a ‘brilliant manager’ and ‘great thinker’. A paltry £5m investment was hailed as the key to a 'top four' Premier League finish, and ambitions for Champions League success were expressed. Relegation that season was narrowly avoided.
Cut to the following season, as Rovers embarked on their worst Premier League start ever, leaving them rooted firmly to the foot of the table, Venky’s rewarded Steve Kean with a well documented pay rise. Blackburn Rovers were relegated at the end of the season.
Heavy speculation suggesting that there may have been some significant involvement by certain benefactors of the game in the decision making processes of the club, were stamped out during a tearful Sky Sports News interview and strong threats of legal action.
Since his recent and, some would definitley say, 'timely' resignation, I feel less inclined to discuss the much beleaguered Steve Kean, instead preferring to think of him as a nightmare from which I have recently awoken. But in true Rovers fashion, he too, struggled heavily with media communications, producing such gems as:
28/11/11 (after 3-1 defeat to Stoke - 20th in PL) "Kean: Time is on Rovers' side despite hitting rock bottom"
29/11/11 (prior to Carling Cup clash with Cardiff) "Kean: Rovers can go for cup glory as well as league points" & 30/11/11 (following 2-0 defeat at Cardiff) "Rovers 'forfeited' Cardiff City match Steve Kean"
3/12/11 (20th in PL) "Steve Kean: Rovers not under extra pressure"
5/12/11 (18th in PL, following home win v. newly promoted Swansea. Second win of the season, 10 points on the board.) "Steve Kean adamant top ten finish is more than realistic for Rovers"
And - my personal favourite - Steve's appraisal of relegation season, “we've had monumental results this season, including back-to-back clean sheets"
Iceberg: tip.
All in all, under Venky's stewardship, Blackburn Rovers have and continue to fail in what Rick states is it's 'basic duty of engaging with it's key major stakeholder, it's fans'. And it's showing. Abysmal performances on the gate so far this season show that the fans have been voting with their feet. Likewise, corporate clients have been lost, and hefty sponsorship deals, including those for the stand and shirts have so far failed to come to fruition.
The Ewood faithful who hold the club dear in their hearts will remain loyal to their club no matter what, but the rapidly expanding gap that's currently setting the owners and fans worlds apart, will take serious work to bridge. Until the fans feel that they can trust the owners with their beloved club and until they can be certain the owners are being 100% honest with them, the fans will continue to use their combined power to resist.
Freelance:
Three sites I wrote the copy for on behalf of Azzurian Ltd:
Hive Blog Post:
Hive Blog Post:
Hive Blog Post:
PR Blog Post:
The Greatest Advice I
Ever Received
As a lass I was subjected to a range of well-intentioned
fatherly advice. Nuggets such as ‘head’s
fer thinkin, feet’s fer dancin’, and ‘if yer ‘aven’t got it don’t spend it’, have
proved invaluable to my adult development, regardless of how often they were interspersed
with the rather less constructive critique of my analytical prowess, ‘Laura, if
brains were dynamite yer couldn’t blow yer cap off’.
Though such recommendations can
undoubtedly be categorised as pearls of wisdom, the piece of advice that’s
really stood out in recent years as I find myself in hot pursuit of a career in
public relations, is none of the above.
In PR, making sure your message
is heard and getting your brand noticed is of paramount importance. Doing this whilst building and upholding the cleanest,
shiniest reputation possible, however, is key.
Therefore, a successful campaign is hinged upon familiarity
and observation of the relevant industry, ensuring all communication is carefully
engineered to create a message that is well presented, well placed, and most
importantly, well received. Yes Mr
Murdoch, some publicity can be bad
publicity.
This in mind, the greatest
piece of advice that I believe I was ever gifted - and again courtesy of my Dad
- went something like this: ‘Laura, yer’ve got two ears and one mouth, use ‘em
in that order.’
They do say Dads know best.
Here’s a little press release I wrote for Radio 2 whilst one work experience at the Beeb. They’ve not actually ended up using it because the In Concert schedule has just gone into the Christmas release, but I wanted to share it all the same…
In this year’s run-up to the festive season, Radio 2 will host 12 fantastic In Concert performances showcasing some of the world’s most highly acclaimed musical talents, including George Michael, Michael Buble, Tony Bennett, Coldplay, Elbow and Noel Gallagher.
Kicking off the Christmas Countdown, there’s a special performance from folk’s leading lady, Laura Marling, on 22nd September, recorded at the BBC’s legendary Maida Vale Studios.
Sir Tim Rice showcases his encycolpedic knowledge as he hosts Pick of the Pops 50th anniversary special. With expert contributions from Sir Cliff Richard and disc jockeys Tony Blackburn and David Jacobs, this documentary celebrates one of the longest running music shows in UK radio history and will feature rare tender momets from the archive, like Dave Lee Travis ‘DLT’ joking around with Alan ‘Fluff’ Freeman.
And to celebrate the 85th birthday of singing sensation Tony Bennett in style, a star cast will tread the boards at the London Palladium on 3rd October [add more when we have it]
On October 6th, Grammy Award winning country-pop group Lady Antebellum perform, whilst on 20th October, Glen Campbell takes to the stage to perform classic tracks as well as songs from his new album Ghost on the Canvas.
In Concert travels North on 27th October, as Elbow perform at Manchester Cathedral in a special homecoming gig featuring spine-tingling vocals from the Halle Youth Choir. Previous homecoming gigs have featured Paulo Nutini in his hometown of Paisley, and the Manic Street Preachers from Blackwood in South Wales.
Elbow front-man Guy Garvey takes online audiences on a pre-record walkabout of his home turf, giving an overview of the sights and delights of the northern metropolis, home to the likes of the Smiths, Joy Division, New Order and Oasis.
Continuing the Mancunian theme, Noel Gallagher is set to showcase songs from his debut album as front man of the recently formed High Fling Birds. He goes live to air from the BBC Radio Theatre on 3rd November.
On 10th November, James Morrison will perform a soulful rendition of tracks from his new album, in a concert featuring talented songstress Jessie J. The pair blend her eclectic pop style with his trademark melodious sound to create a unique music fusion.
From the BBC archive, listeners of Radio 2 can rock out to the legendary Pink Floyd on 27th November, as the network hosts a Pink Floyd season. Audiences will be treat to Mark Hagan’s 2008 documentary featuring a new interview with Pink Floyd songwriter and drummer Nick Mason; and a Sounds of the Seventies Pink Floyd special. Alternative rock sensation Ryan Adams will also feature in session during this vintage broadcast.
George Michael takes centre stage at the Royal Opera House for a special Elizabeth Taylor Foundation gig, to be broadcast on Radio 2 In Concert on 1st December. George will belt out much-loved classics as part of his 47-date tour.
Hip-hop guru Cee-Lo Green joins the In Concert bill on 8th December, and Coldplay take centre stage on 15th December with a Christmas gig live from Camden’s Dingwalls venue, where following their last performance they were granted funds to record their debut album Parachutes back in 2000.
Finally, what could be more Christmassy than Canadian heart-throb Michael Buble serenading audiences with Christmas Classics amid fake snow and festive trimmings as the In Concert season climaxes on 22nd December.
Further information is available on the BBC Radio 2 Website
www.bbc.co.uk/radio2
Ends.
Cheeky bit of DM coverage I helped to get for the Jeremy Vine show on BBC R2 (September 2011)
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